The Dutch government’s Remote Gambling Act has been sent to the European Commission for review in advance of a new regulated framework expected next year.
The country’s lower house passed the legislation four years ago and now awaits comments from stakeholders and others. The feedback period runs three months after which the European Commission will decide if it fits with European Union law.
Among the amendments: operators are barred from using player databases collected before regulations were approved. The change hopes to stop those who have traded illegally in the Netherlands from gaining an advantage.
The Dutch hope the Act—passed by the upper house in February—can be approved by January 2021 with the new framework ready for implementation by next July. However, the coronavirus pandemic may push the date back a few months, according to EGR.
The Dutch Government also submitted amendments to the Gambling Act, the Gambling Tax Act and others regarding the organization of remote gambling. The Remote Gambling Act features provisions for licensing and the gambling services offered, as well as integrity and preventing match fixing, payment transactions and consumer protection.
With regards to addiction prevention measures, the Act requires all licensees to craft a prevention policy, register gambling habits of its players, set a maximum credit allowance, and restrict bonuses. Other elements restrict marketing activities.
